Brandy C. McFarland

      Brandy C. McFarland was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

      Brandy was born on April 10, 1947 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Catalina Island, Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Gordon and Isabel McFarland. Brandy grew up in Los Angeles.

      Brandy was raised with two siblings. She had one older brother, Jim, and one younger brother, Bruce. Brandy was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young girl, Brandy had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She was a Girl Scout, rode horses in the California Rangers RHQ, and went to camp. However, to Brandy, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

      A typical teenager, Brandy had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1965.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Brandy enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Ina and Lou Schrum, and Donna and Nick Ewing.

      Brandy worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Brandy was blessed with two children, one son, Todd Baker, and one daughter, Rayanna. Another blessing for Brandy was the gift of one grandchild and five step-grandchildren, Tania, Nikki, Lora, T.J., Donovan, and Marlou.

      Fortunately, Brandy enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Brandy worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupations were tax accountant and ice cream truck driver. She was employed for 10 years as a tax accountant and 15+ years driving the ice cream truck. Brandy always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Brandy enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were to volunteer and raise funds for charities. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Throughout her life, Brandy was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Brandy was an active member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Olympia Aux #21, President in 2001 also Disctric #13 Deputy in 2006.

      Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Brandy was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included many different awards through out her school years.

      Brandy enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Tahiti, Crystal Cruise, and an Alaskan Cruise.

      Brandy was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her favorites were Peanut and Missy her Pomeranian's. They were best friends for 4 years.

      Brandy passed away on January 20, 2010 at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Brandy fought a long, hard battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her son Todd, her granddaughter Tania, and her two brothers, Jim and Bruce. Services were held at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, WA. Brandy was laid to rest in Mills and Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater, WA.

      Simply stated, Brandy was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Brandy leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Brandy C. McFarland.